New NFL Stadium to Feature Powerful Data Center

The Atlanta Falcons are the latest NFL franchise to construct a new stadium. Mercedes Benz Stadium is currently under construction in downtown Atlanta and is set to be ready for the 2017 season. As with other newly constructed stadiums, the Falcon’s new home will feature the latest technologies and cutting edge innovations to improve the fan experience. This includes over 2,000 video displays throughout the stadium, including a 63,000 square foot high definition Halo board at the center that provides a great view from any seat in the venue.

However, while this may be the flashiest of the new developments in Mercedes Benz Stadium, it is far from the most impressive. The constructors of the stadium have partnered with IBM to create a smarter stadium. This will be accomplished through a Passive Optical Network, a network that provides high speed and reliable Wi-Fi through fiber optics. The stadium will also make use of the Internet of Things to ensure connectivity of appliances throughout the stadium to keep things running smoothly.

All of this will be able to be accomplished because of the technology suite that is built into the field level of the stadium. It features a data

processing center that connects every Wi-Fi enabled device in the stadium, allowing items to be processed quickly and accurately. “I’m very proud of what we’re deploying and I’m also very excited to see it all come to life,” said Jared Miller, AMB Sports and Entertainment’s (the group leading the stadium design) Chief Technology Officer.

The Falcons believe their partnership with IBM will allow for a much improved fan experience by creating a stadium that runs much smoother. “No one piece of software can work in a vacuum and that’s why integrations are so important,” said Miller. The increased connectivity of Mercedes Benz Stadium should prove to be a positive for fans. 

Edited by Maurice Nagle